[Edaily Reporter Kwon Oh-seok] NeuroLab, a robotics and artificial intelligence (AI) solutions company, announced on the 9th that it has filed a patent for a “Guide Runner Robot for the Visually Impaired” designed to support safe running for people with visual impairments. NeuroLab is an affiliate of KOSDAQ-listed company #EM&I.

This patent covers technology that helps visually impaired individuals run freely without relying on a human guide runner. The robot moves alongside the user, recognizing obstacles and terrain in real time, and guides them on the optimal route and running pace.
Notably, Lee Seon-chun, a former national marathon runner and coach of the Seoul Metropolitan Government track and field team, participated as an inventor. Based on his extensive experience as an athlete and coach, Lee incorporated elements essential for the actual running process—such as speed control, running rhythm, and safety—into the technical design.
The Guide Runner robot, patented by NeuroLab, is designed to accompany users at close range using sensors that detect surrounding obstacles, people, and terrain, combined with autonomous driving capabilities. Users receive tactile feedback through the robot’s arm or a connecting device, allowing them to intuitively perceive changes in direction or speed.
While existing walking aids for the visually impaired have typically relied on guidance centered on tactile pavers or specific road markings, this technology stands out because it was developed for use in various running environments, such as parks and tracks. It responds in real time to the user’s movements and changes in speed according to the characteristics of running, simultaneously performing obstacle avoidance and route guidance.
To replicate the running experience of a human guide runner, a “rhythm guidance” feature utilizing robotic arm movements has also been added. By providing users with both tactile and voice guidance, the system enables them to maintain a steady pace even in environments with high ambient noise. NeuroLab plans to further advance its AI-based autonomous driving and robot control technologies to expand their application beyond sports and rehabilitation for the visually impaired into various welfare service sectors.